purple dye (murex)

Purple dye, historically known as Tyrian purple, is a rich, vibrant color extracted from the mucus glands of certain sea snails, particularly the Murex species. Its production was labor-intensive and required thousands of snails to create just a small amount of dye, making it extremely valuable in ancient times. The dye became a symbol of wealth, royalty, and power, often reserved for emperors and nobility. Its significance in history highlights the intersection of nature, culture, and commerce, as societies sought to express status and identity through this luxurious hue.